e become masters of it, as they are so near. Being admitted
here, contrary to all good government, they come here to retail the
products which the said Sangleys formerly brought directly, whereby
these provinces are suffering a great scarcity. All of that results to
our damage and to the advantage of China, because of the great advance
in price over the [former] cheapness of their goods--[an excess]
which, moreover, they carry to their own land. The relief that I
believe can be had, although at its beginning some privation may be
felt, is for your Majesty to prohibit the trade of Macan with Manila,
and decree that no Portuguese be admitted in this government. Besides
the attainment of the aforesaid object, your Majesty's duties will
increase--which is a matter worth consideration; for until now all
has been expense. [_In the margin_: "Collect the papers that we have
upon this matter and those written upon it, and bring them here."]

I have found these islands in need of men, whose numbers are decreasing
because of the poor climate. The need of them requires that your
Majesty provide a remedy; for the reenforcements from Nueva Espana
are costly. Although the governors have exceeded their authority by
giving licenses [to leave the country], I can not avoid representing
to your Majesty that the inhabitants of Manila are worthy of the
favors that your Majesty may be pleased to show them, provided it
does not result in disservice to your Majesty--as I warn you by a
separate letter touching revenue matters, in order that I may not
confuse those matters in this letter; and in another letter touching
military matters, I advise your Majesty of certain points, which also
depend on the same thing. [_In the margin_: "Write to the governor
to avoid giving licenses; and to the viceroy [of Nueva Espana] that
he send some men there, as is ordered."]

The governors whom your Majesty shall provide for these islands
should be as experienced in nautical matters as in those of the land;
and should at the same time understand judicial and legislative
matters. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas finished his visit, and has proceeded
in it as an honest and good minister. He has done considerable in
so brief a term, when one considers his poor health. He goes well
informed on the affairs of these regions, in order to inform your
Majesty of what he has seen. Although he has borne himself with
discretion, he leaves th